G7 focus switches to China, Pope to lead AI discussions
Talks at the G7 meet in Italy are set to focus on the China challenge after a Ukrainian loan deal was struck on the summit's opening day.
International News
World leaders’ meet on Ukraine fails to isolate Russia
China's no-show at a summit where world leaders will discuss how to end the war in Ukraine is a blow to Kyiv's bid to isolate Moscow.
Abortion pill still under threat in US despite ruling
Efforts by abortion opponents in the US to restrict the drug mifepristone may not be over despite a Supreme Court ruling preserving access to the pill.
Biden says no Gaza ceasefire deal soon
US President Joe Biden says he does not see a ceasefire deal for Gaza being struck between Israel and Hamas anytime soon.
UN Security Council demands halt to siege of Sudan city
Sudan's paramilitary group must immediately end its "brutal and unjust" siege of al-Fashir in the North Darfur region, the UN Security Council says.
UK Labour stakes election on wealth creation
UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his manifesto for the upcoming general election promising to rebuild the country.
G7 leaders back deal to use Russia interest for Ukraine
G7 leaders have agreed in principle to issue $A75 billion of loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow's invasion.
Macron suspends voting reforms in New Caledonia
Plans for voting reforms in New Caledonia which sparked unrest have been suspended, French President Emmanuel Macron says.
IFP says it will join ANC, DA South African unity govt
The leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party says it will join a proposed government of national unity in South Africa.
Ukraine eyes US security deal, Zelenskiy visits Jeddah
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has visited Saudi Arabia for talks amid reports the US will sign a security deal with Ukraine at the G7.
WHO says mass starvation in Sudan a ‘very real risk’
The World Health Organisation has warned there is a real risk of mass starvation in parts of Sudan as conflict prevents access to medicine.
Sunak booed, ghost of Corbyn haunts Starmer in UK poll
Britain's prime minister has been challenged and his election rival taken to task in a televised event ahead of the UK election in July.
France’s Macron asks rivals to unite against far right
French President Emmanuel Macron has defended his shock call for a snap election after the far right's strong showing in a recent European vote.
US says Hamas seeks changes to Gaza ceasefire plan
A Hamas official denies US claims it has put forward new ideas to a proposed ceasefire deal between the militant group and Israel.
China offers NZ visa-free travel, infrastructure funds
China and New Zealand have signed trade agreements after bilateral talks as part of a three-day visit by Premier Li Qiang.
Hamstrung at home, G7 leaders struggle with global woes
Wars, trade imbalances, development challenges and AI threats make for a daunting agenda as world leaders gather for the G7 summit in Italy.
Ukraine seeks help to shield, rebuild shattered cities
A Germany conference has rallied support for Ukraine as the US ends a ban on providing weapons to a military unit set up by Ukrainian ultranationalists in 2014.
Sunak vows tax cuts, UK election polls refuse to budge
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he will cut payroll taxes for workers in the United Kingdom to reignite economic growth if his Conservatives are returned.
Hamas says it accepts UN-backed Gaza truce plan
Conversations on plans for Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war ends will continue US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says after talks with Israeli leaders.
UN finds Israel and Hamas committed war crimes
The "immense" scale of killings in Gaza is a crime against humanity, a UN inquiry says as it finds both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict committed war crimes.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years jail over conviction
US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison after being convicted by a jury of lying about his drug use to buy a gun in 2018.
Malawi VP Chilima, nine others, killed in plane crash
"I'm sorry to inform you all that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy," Malawi's president has said after the death of the nation's vice president.
Ninety countries, groups to attend Swiss Ukraine summit
Swiss officials say almost 90 countries and organisations are attending a Ukrainian peace summit in the country.
Hunter Biden evidence ‘ugly,’ prosecutors tell jury
Hunter Biden has decided not to testify in his criminal trial regarding his use of illegal drugs on a background check form when he bought a gun.
UK prime minister dismisses resignation rumours
Rishi Sunak has brushed off rumours he may resign ahead of the UK election after he was heavily criticised for leaving D-Day commemorations too soon.
Ukraine says it struck top fighter plane inside Russia
A modern Su-57 combat jet has been damaged in an attack by Ukrainian forces deep inside Russian territory, officials in Kyiv say.
France’s Macron calls snap election after EU vote
French President Emmanuel Macron will go to the country's voters in a snap election, after his party's drubbing in elections for the European Parliament.
Far right’s election gains rattle traditional EU powers
While some ballots in the vote for the European Parliament are still being counted, the 27-nation bloc's parliament membership has clearly shifted to the right.
Blinken arrives in Egypt, US pushes for Gaza ceasefire
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Egypt's president ahead of a scheduled trip to Israel as he pushes for a ceasefire deal.
Modi sworn in as Indian prime minister for third term
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a third term in a ceremony attended by thousands of dignitaries.
UK TV doctor Mosley’s family confirms death in Greece
The wife of TV doctor Michael Mosley says she is devastated to have lost her "wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband" on the Greek island of Symi.